Service Time: 12 NOONDay and Date: Saturday, January 9, 2010Location:St. John Lutheran Church of RussellVisitation and Guest Book Registration:5 PM to 8 PM on Friday, evening January 8, 2009 at the mortuary.Family Visitation:6 PM to 8 PM on Friday, evening January 8, 2009 at the mortuary.Burial:Will not take place due to weather.Memorial: Jim Copeland Memorial Fund

Jimmy “Jim” R. Copeland, 69, of Springfield, MO passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Jim was born on Oct. 16, 1940 in El Dorado, KS the son of Clyde and Treva Copeland.As a small child his family moved to the Russell, KS area where he met and later married his childhood sweetheart.

He was united in marriage to Joanna (Metheny) Copeland on Feb. 21, 1960.Feb. 2010 would have been their 50th wedding anniversary.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Treva Copland and his infant grandson Zachary Copeland.

He enjoyed many outdoor activities which included hunting, fishing, golfing and gardening.He loved playing many different games with his family and friends.He retired in Sept. of 2009 from U Haul as an Executive Assistant.For over thirty years he worked for Big “A” Auto Parts. In those years he managed a store in Russell, KS and Manhattan, KS and owned his own store in Phillipsburg, KS.

A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held at 12 Noon on Saturday, January 9th, 2010 at the St. John Lutheran Church of Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.Burial graveside services will not take place do to weather.Visitation will be from 5 PM to 8 PM on Friday, January 8th with the family present to greet visitors from 6 PM to 8 PM Friday evening at the mortuary.Memorials may be given to the Jim Copeland Memorial Fund and sent in care of the mortuary or sent to Commerce Bank, 727 Poyntz Ave. Ste. 101, Manhattan, KS66502.Condolences may be sent via email by going to www.pvpmortuary.com.Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral arrangements.